Liverpool winger Víctor Muñoz has described it as a privilege to compete with and learn from Lamine Yamal within the Spain national team setup, following his recent international debut under head coach Luis de la Fuente. The 23-year-old forward, who moved to the Premier League following a standout season in LaLiga with Osasuna, opened up about his adjustment to English football under manager Andoni Iraola and his ambitions with La Roja ahead of their UEFA Nations League fixture against the Czech Republic in Oviedo.
Speaking at a press conference at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas outside Madrid, Muñoz addressed the unique challenge of sharing a position with Lamine Yamal. “I try to learn a lot from him. “Sharing many moments together and being able to have that competition and watch him train every day is a privilege for me.”
The Road From Osasuna to the Premier League and La Roja
Muñoz arrived at Liverpool after making a significant impact in Spanish domestic football. Reflecting on his transition, the Catalan forward noted distinct differences in tempo and style between the two leagues. “I notice many differences,” Muñoz explained. “La Liga is more tactical and Premier League matches are much more physical. I notice the intensity in training. It is helping me grow.”
His path to the senior national team included overcoming a physical setback during the recent World Cup hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Although named in the broader squad, a series of muscular issues in the weeks leading up to the tournament prevented him from making his debut. “It’s complicated, because you notice that your body isn’t arriving, it doesn’t give any more, you keep relapsing and things drag out and you’re never at 100%,” Muñoz recalled of that period. He eventually made his official senior debut for Spain during an international break against Croatia, logging 22 minutes on the pitch in a 3-1 victory.
Tactical Instructions From Luis de la Fuente
When deployed by head coach Luis de la Fuente, Muñoz is given clear directives on how to impact the match from the flanks. “He wants me to be how I am on the field, to try to help the team offensively and defensively, to try to be vertical, to go for one-on-ones,” Muñoz said. “Those are my virtues and I try to put them at the disposal of the team.”
With Spain travelling to Oviedo for their upcoming Nations League match against the Czech Republic, Muñoz remains open about whether he will feature in the starting lineup or remain an option off the bench. “Being able to play each match from the start or as a substitute is incredible,” he stated. “I don’t know what the manager’s intentions are, but everyone is training well and eager to play.”
Muñoz Backs Lamine for Ballon d'Or
Addressing the ongoing debate surrounding the upcoming Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, Muñoz weighed in on the candidates. While acknowledging that players such as Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane feature prominently in discussions, Muñoz expressed his preference to Diario AS. “I would give it to Lamine.”
Reflecting on his formative years in both rival talent structures, Muñoz acknowledged the contrasting methodologies. “Both are impressive and I have been able to take the best from each,” he explained. “At Barça I was very young, but it allowed me to learn associative work and incorporate the methodology and DNA… At Madrid it is another type of game, more direct, and that suited me very well because of my qualities.”
Travel Plans to Oviedo Ahead of Nations League Fixture
The Spain squad is scheduled to complete their final training sessions before departing for Oviedo, where they will face the Czech Republic in the penultimate fixture of their Nations League group campaign. Looking further ahead, Muñoz also touched upon the long-term prospects of the national team following their recent global tournament victory, expressing hope that future major finals could be hosted in Spain.
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